U-17 Women's Volleyball: South Korea defeats Puerto Rico 3-1 at World Championship

The South Korean U-17 women's national volleyball team secured a victory in their opening match of the 2026 FIVB World Championship, defeating Puerto Rico 3-1. The match took place in Los Andes, Chile.

Led by coach Lee Seung-yeo, the team showcased a strong performance, winning the sets 25-10, 25-23, and 26-24, while dropping the third set 19-25. This win positions South Korea, the reigning Asian champions, favorably in Group D.

Spearheading the offense was outside hitter Son Seo-yeon, a promising talent often referred to as 'Little Kim Yeon-koung.' Son delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a match-high 28 points. Her exceptional play was crucial in securing the win for the Korean team.

Son Seo-yeon has a history of stellar performances, having previously led the team to victory in the U-16 Asian Championship last November, where she swept the MVP, top scorer, and best outside hitter awards. Her continued success highlights her status as a top prospect.

South Korea's next challenge in the group stage will be against Taiwan on August 8. The two teams have a recent history, with South Korea defeating Taiwan 3-2 in the final of last year's U-16 Asian Championship.